Bending square u-bolts with shop press

[TimBuck2]

I am refurbishing an old Cox boat trailer and have been searching and searching for the correct size square u-bolts to fit various applications. I have decided it's impossible to find something you can live with, never mind finding a size you want.

Has anyone fabricated a "die" set up for their shop press that does a decent job of bending square u-bolts?

Seems like it should be pretty straightforward ...

Thanks,
Tim

 

[MountainBuck]

I wouldn't do that on a boat trailer. Too much liability. Same reason most welders won't weld anything on a hitch.

Too many variables like stress fractures, crystalline structure, work hardening, just to name a few.

Have you tried contacting a Cox dealer for the correct part?

 

[/pine]

Some marine supply houses have boat trailer parts...

 

[Peter 315]

What size? Most spring shops will make them up for you..

 

[bcp]

I haven't done this for axles, but other places I've replaced U-bolts with a heavy strap and two standard bolts. Probably stronger than DIY U-bolts.

Bruce

 

[/pine]

Most boat trailer u-bolts are galvanized after they are bent...

 

[dstig1]

For most any hardware, the answer is almost ALWAYS McMaster-Carr...

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[ddbackhoe]

For most any hardware, the answer is almost ALWAYS McMaster-Carr...

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

another good source

Square U Bolts - Galvanized Steel | The Nutty Company, Inc.

Square U Bolts - Galvanized Steel | The Nutty Company, Inc.

www.nutty.com

 

[Tinhack]

You'd be better off drilling flat steel stock and using bolts and nuts than trying to bend your own. As MB hints, bending All-Tread never ends well.

 

[jmc]

Could you just use an upper plate and a lower plate with two regular bolts?